Bathroom Design: How to Plan an Effective Bathroom Layout & Scheme

Bathroom Lighting Design

Incorporating a layered lighting scheme into your bathroom design the outset will help ensure a setup that meets your needs. “Think carefully about the lighting required from a practical point of view,” says Lisa from Fired Earth. “It would be frustrating if the room was dark and dingy when you’re in a rush in the morning, for example. Consider how the level of illumination can suit a relaxing ambience, too.”

A main fixture positioned in the centre of the room will provide the brightness you need for everyday tasks, such as showering. Some homeowners choose to incorporate ornamental chandeliers or other striking fittings to create an eye-catching focal point.

The Charneys carefully selected a fusion of pinks, marble and brass to create the perfect bathroom in their self build home, designed by Robert Hirschfield Architects, with interiors by Studio Suss. It features pendant glass globe lights either side of the sink create a dramatic addition. Photo: Philip Vile

“Task lighting around mirrors is essential,” says Lisa. “This can be achieved with separate fittings that are wall-mounted, or you can buy mirrors or cabinets that incorporate lighting, too. Spotlights within the floor or along the base of a wall can also help to create a relaxed, spa-like atmosphere.”

Fitting several circuits with individual controls will help you to dim and brighten the room as desired. All electrical installations need to comply with the Building Regulations – and you’ll need to specify appropriate IP-rated products to protect against moisture ingress.

Learn More: Lighting Design: The Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide

Incorporating Smart Home Automation into Your Bathroom Design

If your budget will allow it, you can explore the possibility of smart home automation systems that will operate your lighting, heating and outlet settings efficiently. For example, some baths and showers come with digital controls that can be used to adjust the temperature and flow of water. Techy features such as automated sound systems can add an extra flourish of luxury, too.

Designing Your Bathroom’s Heating & Ventilation

Adequate ventilation is essential for this zone, as the humid environment and prolonged contact with moisture may otherwise cause damp to take hold. According to Building Regs Part F, either a window or a suitable extractor fan should be incorporated to ensure the bathroom receives an adequate supply of fresh air.

A growing number of self-builders are opting to incorporate mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) systems, which work by extracting moist air from wet zones such as kitchens and bathrooms, recycling the heat and distributing a fresh supply to other rooms at the same time.

If you’re tackling a renovation, an alternative solution is to fit a ducted fan on the ceiling of the bathroom. It’s best to position the fan on an exterior wall of the property so waste air can be easily directed outside.

Once ventilation is taken care of, it’s time to decide on heating. While radiators are the traditional choice, many homeowners are doing away with them to free up precious wall space, laying underfloor heating (UFH) instead.

Providing an even spread of heat throughout the room and cosy warmth underfoot, UFH is the preferred choice for many self builders. “Having a warm floor also means any water on tiles will quickly evaporate, making it safer and less slippery,” says Chris from Stone & Ceramic Warehouse.

A range of slim retrofit systems is available for renovators who want the benefits of UFH without the extra floor build-up. If you do choose to have radiators, select a model that can deliver the required heat output for the room. Heated towel rails are an alternative, and some models can be used to form an attractive design feature.

Thinking about you’re going to heat your bathroom? Read more: Choosing Heating Systems: Radiators or Underfloor Heating?

MW Architects created a striking bathroom that contains both contemporary and mid-century design features. The reeded glass partition wall sections the bathing area off from the sink units, creating defined spaces that offer privacy and functionality. Photo: French + Tye

Installing Your Bathroom’s Sanitaryware

Striking the right balance between practicality and aesthetics can be a challenge, especially given the varied array of functions a bathroom has to perform.

“When it comes to deciding where you’re going to position fittings, the best way forward is to think about how they’re used and in what order,” says Phil Etherden from The Albion Bath Co. “We often recommend that the basin is placed closest to the door, as it’s often the last stop in most bathroom routines. The WC and other fittings can be positioned further into the room.”

If you’re renovating, it’s worth thinking about the aspects you currently dislike and what you’re keen to change. For example, are you frustrated by a lack of storage space? Or are you keen to do away with the tub so you can install a spacious walk-in shower?

Summing up your aspirations in this way will help you establish a priority list when it comes to planning the overall bathroom design. “If you’re updating an existing suite, layout can often be dictated by the original services,” says Lisa from Fired Earth. “So, in a lot of cases your contractor will be the key to achieving a particular configuration and calculating whether something is feasible. Bear in mind that moving or adapting services to accommodate a certain layout will add to your budget, too.”

More Ideas: Bathroom Renovations: Advice & Ideas For Your Bathroom Upgrade 

This Edwardian home renovation in London features a walk-in wet room. Rooflights provide plentiful daylight, creating a bright, airy zone

Experimenting with scaled floorplans can be done the old-fashioned way – with graph paper and a pencil – or by using an online planning tool. For example, there’s many online services that’ll allow you to experiment with layouts and create a virtual view in just a few steps. But don’t forget that you’ll need to incorporate ventilation, plumbing and electrics, plus circulation space around showers and baths.

If you’re working with a limited amount of room, there are plenty of clever design tricks to create the illusion of more space. “Wall-hung sanitaryware is a possible solution that will create more light across the floor, plus make for easier cleaning,” says Kate from Kohler.

If there’s a particular range of fittings you like, check to see whether smaller versions of each unit are available, as every free centimetre will count once the zone is complete. Adequate storage to hide away lotions, potions and other bathroom clutter is also essential. If space is an issue, look out for slim, wall-mounted basins that double up as cabinets.

Words by Sander Tel & Rebecca Foster